In the past few years, a lot of talented cricketers from the national Capital, Delhi, have switched to different States to get better opportunities in domestic cricket, and to that list, a new name can be added soon in the form of left-arm pacer Kulwant Khejroliya, who is open to playing for a different State if he isn't selected for the upcoming Ranji Trophy.
The 29-year old from Rajasthan, who made his debut for Delhi in 2017 and played a vital role in Delhi's run to the 2017-18 Ranji Trophy final, wasn't selected for the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 trophy this year and could face an axe from the Ranji squad as well.
Speaking to The Pioneer's DritiAtri, Khejroliya said he was shocked to miss out on the SMAT place but is hopeful about getting selected for Ranji and is working hard for it.
"I don't think there is any specific reason behind my exclusion from the Syed Mushtaq Ali squad. I was myself was bit shocked when it came in my knowledge that I was not in the team. But I took it very positively. I believe whatever happens, happens for good. I might have something bigger coming for me. Now I'm more focused towards my training and fitness," he said.
"I have played a major role in Delhi's wins in the past few seasons. I've been a wicket-taker for Delhi. The DDCA selections are on their way, and the selectors do have eyes on the talent. The one who performs gets the opportunity to play the next game. I have put in my best, but I think there is always a room for improvement, which I'm working on. I am looking forward to joining the camp. But yes, if one percent I'm not picked from Delhi this season, I'll try to switch and play from a different state, " he added.
The Delhi lad, who hails from Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu district and started playing cricket at the age of 25, was one of the star performers on the domestic circuit. Apart from being one of the architects of Delhi's run to the 2017-18 Ranji Trophy final, he took a hat-trick against Haryana in the 2018 Vijay Hazare Trophy quarterfinal, which is the biggest highlight of his career so far.
Khejroliya, who used to play for Rs 500 per game in his earlier days, made a name for himself in Delhi's club cricket and soon got the chance to represent Delhi in all three formats, where he formed a solid partnership with Navdeep Saini with the ball, but while Saini went on to play for India, Khejroliya's career took a backseat after he suffered a leg injury which kept him out for some time.
He was also a member of the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai Indians, and Delhi Capitals setups in the IPL, which will become a ten-team affair with the addition of two new teams in the upcoming season. Khejroliya hopes that the addition of two new teams will create opportunities for several other players like him to leave their mark in the biggest franchise cricket tournament in the world. With an aim to deliver a strong performance in the 2022 season, which could open the door for his entry into the senior India team as well, Delhi pacer Kulwant Khejroliya is ready to give his all.
At least 50 new players will get an opportunity with the two new teams. For me, all I want is to play. I have played for Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Delhi Capitals and put all my efforts uniformly.
If we talk about money, it really doesn't matter to me, even if I'm bought in base price, I'll be happy performing.
All I want is to perform well and play matches. No matter which team bought me if I'm not able to play matches all the hard work will be of no use. I just want to give my best and want the selectors to be proud on their decision," he concluded.